Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Clinician - Springhill Prison

About this role

 

• Create positive change and support recovery for people and communities
• Put your AOD skills into action where they matter most
• Help build safer communities through meaningful, purpose‑driven mahi

 

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We are seeking an Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Clinician to join our Hikitia team in the Waikato Region, based at Springhill Prison. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful, positive impact on individuals, whānau, and the wider community by supporting people at a pivotal point in their lives.

In this role, you'll provide comprehensive AOD assessments, brief interventions, education, and ongoing support for people experiencing substance-related challenges. Working with people on remand and those who are sentenced, you'll help identify co-existing mental health, wellbeing, and social needs through a holistic, recovery-focused lens. Your contribution will directly support safer communities by helping people build the foundations for long-term wellbeing and change.

This role will appeal to someone who values working in line with Mana Whenua, tikanga, kawa, and Te Ao Māori, and who seeks guidance and collaboration to ensure these principles are upheld in practice. You'll play an important role in building strong therapeutic relationships, supporting oranga, and contributing to shared learning and best practice across the service.

Collectively, our AOD Clinicians are committed to delivering culturally grounded, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care that recognises the complex realities people face — including mental health challenges, substance use, trauma, unhealthy relationships, and broader socio-economic pressures. Your professionalism, empathy, and collaborative approach will help create opportunities for positive change, not just for the people in our care, but for the communities they return to.

If you want to learn more about the Hikitia team, click here:

https://careers.corrections.govt.nz/work/health/hikitia

 

Mōu | About you

We are looking for a dedicated and passionate individual for this rewarding opportunity to support and develop meaningful relationships that will help men to feel accepted, understood and empowered to contribute to their own Oranga journey.  Please highlight in your application your:

• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to delivering the Hikitia Māori Model of Care, with practical experience applying its principles preferred. Proficiency in Te Reo Māori me ōna Tikanga, Te Ao Māori and Mātauranga Māori, or a demonstrated commitment to cultural development and active engagement in learning.
• Experience working with people presenting with acute and complex addiction and withdrawal issues and/or acute mental health needs.
• Applied knowledge of DSM-V formulation, risk assessment, and talk therapy skills, with experience in delivering these in a clinical setting.
• An in-depth understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to health, wellbeing, and equity.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

To progress your application, you will need to have:

• Full registration with Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association Aotearoa-DAPAANZ, AOD Practitioner level.
• A current practicing certificate with DAPAANZ
• Minimum 2 years post registration experience in Addiction Services
• NZQA level 7 or higher AOD specific qualification from an approved learning institute.

 

Ngā painga | The benefits

The salary range is $ $70,956 - $91,307 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

 

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

 

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Friday 15^th May 2026.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact mahiwaikeria@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.